Chapter 127 Buy One Get One Free
“How can you be so kind as to go out of the city to welcome me?”
Tai Shi Ci got off his horse, bowed his head towards where Liu Bei came from, and bowed to him. .
In this prayer, there is anxiety, shame, hope, and longing.
After half a lifetime, Taishi Ci is thirty years old.
But in the year of his establishment, he has not made any achievements, his name is no more than Donglai, and he cannot see Qingzhou. He is still white and no one takes him seriously.
The high expectations of his deceased father and mother made Taishi Ci feel very guilty. In the dead of night, he would occasionally recall the incident of cutting off the seal with a knife in the past and asking himself if he regretted it.
But the result every time is that a man acts with a clear conscience.
He also had a role model in his heart for Taishi Ci, who relied on his outstanding talents and was skilled in bow and horse.
This person is General Feng Yi, the seventh-ranked general among the twenty-eight Yuntai generals who founded the Eastern Han Dynasty.
In Tai Shici's view, if Kou Xun was Xiao He as Emperor Guangwu, then Feng Yi, even in the early years of the Eastern Han Dynasty when all the generals were gathered, would have been the equal of Guangwu Han Xin, and he was more humble and caring for the people than Han Xin.
After Liu Xiu captured Hebei, the two biggest enemies he faced when proclaiming himself emperor were the 300,000 Luoyang garrison of the Gengshi Army and the hundreds of thousands of Guanzhong Red Eyebrow Army.
Both of these two large military groups were defeated by Feng Yi, and both of them defeated the strong with the weak, and won a complete victory, with hundreds of thousands of troops surrendered.
Emperor Guangwu even gave Feng Yi a seven-foot sword to strengthen his momentum and control the generals.
Taishici's dream is that a man should walk in troubled times, carrying a seven-foot sword, to ascend to the rank of emperor, and settle the king's affairs.
"Ziyi, it's so hard for me to wait for you."
Liu Bei also got off his horse, threw off the reins, stepped forward, grabbed Taishi Ci, and helped him up.
"There is no need for such vulgar etiquette between you and me."
Liu Bei grabbed Tai Shici's shoulder and looked up and down, only to feel that the other person was still as dazzling as three years ago. Her waist and elegant temperament make people fall in love with her as soon as they see her.
If this were not the case, how could Liu Bei, with his sophistication and sophistication, have taken the liberty to invite him?
Taishi Ci hugged his fists and bowed: "It's too late for me to come. I beg you to punish me."
"What do you mean by Ziyi's words?"
Liu Bei smiled all over his face and pulled. Holding the opponent's hand, he said: "Ziyi, I fell in love with you when we first met in Pingyuan. I just regretted that my reputation was low at that time, and I didn't treat him with a prominent position, so I could only reluctantly let Ziyi go."
In fact, Liu Bei's official position at that time was enough to conquer Taishi Ci. Unfortunately, Liu Bei's Pingyuan Prime Minister was only a false position and did not really control Pingyuan County. Even the three thousand elite soldiers Liu Bei brought to rescue Kong Rong were not his own.
Otherwise, Taishi Ci would not say politely reject Liu Bei, but would even take the initiative to express himself in order to win Liu Bei's favor.
You must know that Taishi Ci had even done dangerous things such as destroying memorials for the sake of the governor of the county. It can be seen that Taishi Ci's requirements were not high, but Liu Bei had too little at the time. Even Taishi Ci, who had low requirements, could not satisfy.
Hearing Liu Bei's words, Taishi Ci showed a look of shame on his face: "Ci is a human being with mortal eyes and does not recognize heroes. Unexpectedly, Ming Gong is like a hidden dragon in the abyss. Once he takes off, his reputation is added to the East China Sea, and he knows himself. It's just diving and swimming."
Liu Bei laughed loudly and slapped Taishi Ci on the back: "In the past, I didn't know that Ziyi was so funny. Dragon. This time, I just uphold the righteousness of the world. Meng Tao Gong does not give up and entrusts you with a heavy responsibility."
Liu Bei actually brought up the past on purpose. He discovered the grudge in Tai Shici's heart just after contact. .
Although this grudge is a complaint against himself, as long as this grudge is not resolved, it will be like a thorn in the hearts of Liu Bei and Tai Shici, and even pierce deeper and deeper.
Then Liu Bei simply pulled out the thorn for Tai Shici.
“Not to mention you Ziyi, even Yun Chang, Yide, Xianhe, Zilong and Guorang never imagined that this day would happen.”
Liu Bei sighed. : "Actually, even if I am preparing myself, I feel like I am in a dream. I am deeply afraid that I will let go of Tao Gong's love and not be able to stabilize the people of Xuzhou."
Hearing this, Taishi Ci quickly comforted and said: "Ming Gong went to Langya to the north and recovered Zangba." , and settled in the East China Sea, and his reputation has reached Qingzhou, and his kindness is also well-known in Donglai. The local scholars and people all admire Ming Gong very much and wish they could not be born under Ming Gong. "
"It's ridiculous, Ziyi is ridiculously praised."
Liu Bei said with a smile: "Now that Ziyi has come to join me, I am more confident to protect the country and the people, so that the people of Xuzhou can enjoy peace."
Zhang Fei rushed out and headed towards Taishi Ci shouted loudly: "My brother is right, Ziyi, just follow my brother!"
Guan Yu also stroked his beard and nodded: "Ziyi, brother Yu is really serious I have been waiting for you for a long time."
The third master and the second master also spoke to express their welcome to Tai Shici.
The warm welcome of Liu Bei's three brothers resolved the last entanglement in Tai Shici's heart. He immediately bowed his head and bowed, willing to do Liu Bei's service.
Poor Liu Feng just arrived with the carriage at this time and saw his father helping Tai Shici proudly.
In fact, Liu Feng can also ride a horse. After all, the North is powerful, and those in the family who are not too poor to put food on the table can learn some riding skills.
In Cao Cao’s opinion, Liu Bei is a mat weaver and shoe seller, isn’t he still good at equestrian skills?
Of course, Cao Cao could despise Liu Bei for weaving mats and selling shoes, but modern people cannot despise him.
Because in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, if you did not have the support of your family, you were not qualified to weave mats and sell shoes. This was a business that brought in money.
"Let's go, Ziyi!"
Liu Bei happily pulled Taishi Ci: "Let's go back to the city first. Bei has prepared a banquet to wash away the dust for you. You and I will come back to the banquet and have a good drink. "
Tai Shi Ci naturally agreed, but suddenly he stopped and seemed to remember something. He saluted Liu Bei and said, "Ming Gong, Ci has a person who I want to recommend to you. "Ming Gong."
"Oh?"
When Liu Bei heard this, he was immediately interested. A man like Taishi Ci was powerful and talented, and ordinary people could not get into his eyes. .
Anyone who can make Taishi Ci recommend him must be a capable person.
Liu Bei is currently short of capable confidants. Not to mention, there are more than a dozen counties in Langya and eight counties in Pengcheng Kingdom. Together, there are 21 county magistrates that can be replaced.
But Liu Bei did not have enough manpower, so he could only temporarily replace him with former officials.
This is Liu Bei's cleverness. Using former officials to temporarily replace him can maintain stability and ensure this year's taxes. Secondly, it can also block the powerful hands of the local nobles in Xuzhou.
If they are all replaced now, it will only be a benefit to the powerful local nobles in Xuzhou, and it will be easy for them to reach out, but it will be difficult for them to hand it over.
When you have someone on hand, you can start replacing them. If you have a few, wouldn't it be nice to replace a few?
Therefore, Liu Bei was very happy to hear that Taishi Ci had someone to recommend.
“Ziyi has many wise men to recommend, so he can give them all and be prepared to follow them.”
Liu Bei’s words can be said to be quite satisfying, and they have given Taishi Ci enough face.
Tai Shici was secretly grateful and warned himself to be more cautious in making recommendations in the future and not to cause Ming Gong's face to be damaged.
"The person recommended by Ci is in the convoy. His surname is Mingyi. He is from Yingling County, Beihai County. He has served as county magistrate and county magistrate. He has a calm temperament, low-key and humble, upright person, and dares to give advice. Now I am going south to Yangzhou and I want to join Liu Yao."
Taishici looked sincere and strongly recommended: "Ci thinks that this person must be very talented, loyal and humble, and I sincerely ask the Ming Dynasty to put him to good use. "
"Is it Yi? "
Liu Bei thought the name seemed familiar and looked around.
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others naturally didn't know why, and the other attendants didn't know either. Only Liu Feng came over at this time and reminded him in a low voice: "Father, this person is the one who was with Uncle Taishi earlier." One of the other two wise men who conquered the country. ”
Taishi Ci was standing next to Liu Bei. He heard these words clearly and was shocked.
Could it be that Liu Bei had conquered Shiyi, so why didn't Shiyi tell him about this?
Taishici instinctively thought that Shiyi was deceiving him, but then he thought about it and realized that Shiyi was not such a person.
Now Taishi Ci was worried about gains and losses, and he was even more upset about how fast he had spoken just now, saying that Yi wanted to go to Liu Yao.
What to do if Liu Bei is displeased and Shi Yi's career is ruined?
"Ah! It's this person."
Liu Bei suddenly realized it, and then he looked happy, holding Tai Shici's hand and asked: "Is it Ziyu who has already arrived in Tancheng, or did he come with Ziyi? This is really a blessing from heaven."
"Where is Ziyu now? Ziyi will take me there quickly, and I will welcome the sage in person." Liu Bei's face was full of smiles, and he was smiling. Seeing this, Taishi Ci felt warm in his heart.
"Ming Gong, Ziyu is in the follow-up convoy, please come with me."
After Taishi Ci answered, he took the initiative to lead the way and led Liu Bei toward the follow-up convoy where Shiyi was.
Shi Yi was sitting in the car at this time, and saw from a distance that Liu Bei actually left the city in person to greet Taishi Ci from afar.
After the two met, they talked happily again, and their hearts were full of envy.
When I think that I am already in my thirties, but have accomplished nothing, and even have to leave my hometown and go to Jiangdong to join Liu Yao to escape the war, I feel confused and have mixed feelings.
Shi Yi leaned in the carriage, his eyes sore that he had to close them.
They say that a man’s heart is as solid as stone, so I really can’t be a man.
Just when Shiyi was mocking herself to ease her grief and self-harm, the sound of horse hooves suddenly sounded outside.
Shi Yi thought it was Tai Shici who was back, so she quickly wiped the corners of her eyes, adjusted her mood, and sat upright in the car.
But I heard a strange voice outside the carriage.
The voice was gentle and kind, implying expectation, and he shouted to Shiyi in the car: "Is there Ziyu in the car, sir? I am the pastor of Xuzhou, Liu Bei. I kindly ask you to get out of the car and see me."
Shiyi couldn't sit still for a moment and carefully confirmed that there was indeed a person calling himself Xuzhou Mu outside the car just now.
Shi Yi didn't dare to neglect him. He didn't have the capital to be arrogant, nor did he have an arrogant character.
So, he lifted the car curtain and looked out.
But I saw a northern man with a broad face and huge earlobes standing at the shaft of the car, smiling.
This person is Liu Bei, the Mu of Xuzhou.
When Liu Beifu saw him, he saluted and said: "Beitian has occupied the position of prefect of Xuzhou. I have admired Mr. Gao for a long time and specially sent the state envoy to conquer the country. I didn't know that Mr. Ziyi was traveling with Ziyi. I missed the welcome from afar. Please forgive me. "
In fact, if we look into it carefully, Liu Bei's words are just a favor. Since he has come to pick up Tai Shici, it's okay to pick up Tai Shici by the way, right?
Besides, it was Tai Shici who brought him Yi, and he personally recommended it to Liu Bei just now.
To give Shiyi face is to give Taishi Ci face. Selling two families for one favor is really a real profit.
Shi Yi was a little confused at this time. Fortunately, this person was usually a slow-tempered person. After being stunned for a moment, he slowly got off the bullock cart and then saluted Liu Bei.
"I didn't know that when the envoy came, I failed to welcome him from afar. This is Yi's crime. How dare I blame the envoy?" I wanted to go south, but the road was blocked, and I happened to meet Ziyi, who was a good man and hospitable, so he invited Yi to go with him. Only then did Yi learn that Ziyi was appointed by the envoy, and he had indeed never received a letter of approval. I didn’t know that happened.”
After Shiyi finished speaking, Liu Bei suddenly realized that he must have just missed it.
Qingzhou was in chaos. If Kong Rong was not in his office, he might not be able to find anyone.
Liu Bei stepped forward and held Shiyi's hand, lifting him up: "This must be the state envoy who passed by. It's just that the war is in chaos. I really can't blame him."
Having said this, Liu Bei turned back to see Taishi Ci and expressed gratitude to him: "Fortunately, Ziyi met Ziyu on the road, otherwise he would have missed a talented person."
Taishi Ci was so excited that he did not expect that I actually did a great deed unintentionally, and just because I asked you to treat me like this, you can see that I will act on my merits and not care about my geographical origin.
After all, Tai Shici knew very well what kind of family background Shiyi came from.
Yi Yi's heart had calmed down, but he was still moved by Liu Bei's words. He apologized and said, "Yi, I'm so ashamed."
Liu Bei laughed and held his hand. The other party's hand: "Why don't you dare to take the position? Could it be that you don't want to stay in Xuzhou because of your low reputation?"
Of course it was impossible for Yi to say that, and of course he quickly denied it: "I'm afraid that Yi has a little talent and is not enough to assist the envoy."
"Ziyu is too modest!"
Liu Bei laughed loudly. He smiled, then held the instrument with his left hand, and held Tai Shici with his right hand: "Today I am blessed with two wise men. I am overjoyed. I will rest after getting drunk. All gentlemen, please come back to the city with me."
Liu Feng grimaced and made up his mind to practice riding again, at least to satisfy his father.
Otherwise, he would dare to stay in the carriage or oxcart next time, which would delay things too much.
There was no choice but to follow Liu Feng back to the city.
After arriving in the main hall of the state capital, the guests of honor sat down.
Liu Bei smiled and said to Taishi Cihe Shiyi: "Ziyi and Ziyu, it is for great use to prepare you for the expedition. In preparation, I want to use Ziyi as a general. Ziyu is in charge, I wonder what you two think?"
Tai Shi Ci and Shiyi looked at each other and bowed down together: "How dare we disobey Mr. Ming's arrangements? We should follow Mr. Ming's lead."
“Okay, okay.”
Liu Bei nodded happily, and first said to Tai Shici: "Ziyi, I see that you have brought hundreds of warriors. These are all heroes of Qingzhou. They need to be led by you personally. I want to compile them into a book. Please You are the captain, and at the same time, to show your respect, you will appoint another minister to work for Wu Meng. If you have merit, you can be transferred to the school captain. Is Ziyi still satisfied with this arrangement? .
First of all, Taishi Ci's fellow villagers will continue to be placed under his command, so that he has a basic base that he can command. Later, he was given additional troops and appointed as the captain. In peacetime, the captain was already considered a high-ranking officer, with a rank comparable to that of a thousand stones, and not inferior to the magistrate of a large county.
This is not enough, so he added Wu Meng to Taishi Ci to show his closeness. It can be said that it is meticulous.
Tai Shici is not an ordinary person and cannot understand Liu Bei's arrangement.
It is precisely because of this that Taishi Ci was moved by Liu Bei's arrangement.
Tai Shici immediately left the table and paid his respects: "Ming Gong is very kind and considerate. He has no repayment for his kindness. He is willing to go through fire and water for Ming Gong, no matter what."
" Please get up quickly, Ziyi."
Liu Bei said with a smile on his face: "Why is this between you and me? Ziyi is a human being, can you still not understand it? Ziyi, we are kings and ministers, and we have a long way to go. , we still need you and me to support each other."
Tai Shici was also moved and said with gratitude: "What Ming Gong said is true, I feel the same compassion, and I will always be kind to Ming Gong."
"Okay, okay."
Liu Bei laughed, nodded repeatedly, and asked Taishi Ci to return to his seat.
Then, Liu Bei looked at Shiyi again: "Ziyu, I wonder what position you would like to have? There are no outsiders here. Ziyu can say whatever he wants. Be prepared to choose a good position for Ziyu."
Shi Yi was also very grateful. In his opinion, he was just a local official, but for some unknown reason, he fell into Liu Bei's eyes.
It is expected that Liu Bei and Kong Rong had close friendships and had close contacts. Could it be that he was recommended by Kong Rong?
After hearing Liu Bei's question, Yi Yi calmed down and bowed down: "Now that Yi has been established, Ming Gong is the master, and Yi is the minister. There is no reason for ministers to be picky in front of the Lord. Ming Gong can arrange whatever he wants, no matter what. No matter what the position, Yi must fulfill his duties and be loyal to Duke Ming.” Shi Yi’s words were quite humble and expressed his loyalty to Liu Bei, but at the deepest level, they also showed his own ability. .
If a person is not strong enough or comprehensive enough, how can he be qualified for all positions?
The fact that Yi dared to say these words showed that he was also very confident in his abilities.
How could Liu Bei, a man like Liu Bei, fail to recognize Shi Yi’s meaning? He nodded to Shi Yi with satisfaction and fell into deep thought at the same time.
Since it is Yi who wants to demonstrate his ability, it is best to put him in a difficult position so that he can achieve results.
"There is still a shortage of Langya County officials in the state. I wonder if Ziyu is willing to submit?"
As soon as Liu Bei said this, everyone present turned their attention.
Although this county job is not as good as the four major jobs, it is also a very high-ranking job. It is set up within the state, and each county has one person. His responsibility is to supervise the internal document exchanges and declarations within the county. , and at the same time investigate the illegal behavior of officials and report them to the governor and Fang Bo.
At present, in Xuzhou, only Pengcheng, Langya and Guangling have no counties to engage in for various reasons.
Now that Langya has returned to the state capital, it is natural to reset Langya County. Originally, the local nobles in Xuzhou were trying to get this position, but unexpectedly Liu Bei actually promised it to Shiyi.
Although Shiyi is not from Langya, he is from Beihai County and is a neighbor of Langya. Perhaps Liu Bei took this into consideration before making such a decision.
(End of this chapter)